European Championship in Tbilisi: Intense competition expected in 100 kg between Kotsoiev and Sulamanidze;

One of the main hopes of the Azerbaijani national team at the European Judo Championship, which starts today in Tbilisi, is related to Olympic champion Zelim Kotsoiev. He is one of the main favorites in the 100 kg weight category at the tournament.

Idman.Biz reports that the European Judo Union (EJU) website published an article about the continental championship's main competitive weight category, related to the leader of the national team.

"Kotsoiev enters the tournament with the desire to prove his strength. Despite having an Olympic gold and the title of world champion of 2024, the Azerbaijani athlete has additional motivation," the EJU writes.

In addition, the main plot in this weight category is formed around his competition with Georgian judoka Ilia Sulamanidze.

"Although he was successful at the Olympics, the Azerbaijani athlete lost the gold medal of the European Championship last year and lost to Sulamanidze at that time," the article notes.

It is noted that the duel between the two judokas has now entered a new stage, as the tournament is held in Tbilisi, the Georgian judoka's home tatami, and the score of personal meetings is equal: 3:3.

History also increases the intrigue: in the last 10 years, no one in this weight category has been able to retain the title of European champion, and the representative of the host country has not won a gold medal since 1994.

"If Sulamanidze can win at home, this will be the decisive point in one of the most interesting confrontations," the EJU emphasizes.

Russian representative Arman Adamyan is also among the main candidates. He is the 2023 world champion and 2019 European champion, has repeatedly created difficulties for Kotsoyev and is ahead in personal meetings with a score of 6:4. In addition, Ukrainian Anton Savitski and experienced Dutch judoka Mayxel Korrel are joining the fight for the medal.

It is noted that the result in the fights with the participation of Kotsoyev, Sulamanidze and Adamyan can often be decided in an instant.

"The result will most likely be determined by a single explosive action," the source said.

Thus, the 100 kg weight category is expected to be one of the most intense categories of the tournament, and Zelim Kotsoyev will try not only to confirm his favorite status, but also to regain the European gold.